Keep in mind this is NOT an arcade action game and it's NOT a replacement for the industry sim Railroad Tycoon. For pure railroad enthusiasts (which I am) only. You are a locomotive operator (driver) in US, Canada, UK or Australia. In the later levels you have additional other jobs (switches, signals, turntables, putting together trains…). There is a separate arcade mode (IAP). You can build your own tracks. Multiplayer. Both iOS versions (2014) are on their best price for the first time (never were cheaper). I didn't test any IAPs (yet). Played both versions for 30 min. on iPad Air 2.

Note! The following app info is for the iPad version. Link to the iPhone version below!

Trainz Simulator 2

N3V Games Pty Ltd

Experience being a train driver on a variety of routes throughout the world, choose from a wide range of steam, diesel o…

Details

Experience being a train driver on a variety of routes throughout the world, choose from a wide range of steam, diesel or electric trains, and create your own rail line with the intuitive world building tools.
Trainz Simulator 2 is for the young, the young at heart or anyone who loves the power of a loco at full throttle!
Here's what some of our fans are saying:
5 STARS
Hitting the rails
by Rijuer - Version - 1.0.4
Wow ... This game is a treat. Fun and skill required. Enjoying this game. Enjoy the varied scenery, weather and other adjustments for some great gameplay. Enjoy!
5 STARS
Best Mobile Rail Simulator
by Michael Colletti - Version - 1.0.4
Trainz 2 is an amazing mobile rail simulation. Routes Locos & rolling stock will keep the most demanding rail enthusiasts busy for hours!
5 STARS
Great application
by MattHelm21 - Version - 1.0.4
I really enjoy this new version. Realistic mode is terrific.
5 STARS
My 6 yr old loves it
by Risaacs - Version - 1.0.4
He's a train and iPad lover - so this is perfect!
5 STARS
Amazing App
by Pocket Planes = :-) - Version - 1.0.4 - May 17, 2015
This app is absolutely amazing! Although it is not as detailed as computer versions are, it is amazing what they have done considering this for iPads/iPhones. It is very engaging and very fun!! Up The Mountains Part 1 is one of the scenarios that is available for purchase (only 99 cents!), and it is an amazing scenario. The Al traffic is amazing and it is Avery fun scenario. I would very highly recommend Trainz Simulator 2!
5 STARS
Amazing game!
by Corruptduck - Version - 1.0.4 - May 13, 2015
Has a lot of cool locomotives and steam trains, and I love the fact I can make my own routes
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Features:
- New Routes & Sessions
- Multiplayer
- Online Chat
- Redesigned Surveyor Interface
- New Surveyor Tools
- Improved Drive Controls
- Increased Draw Distance
- Upgraded Graphics
- Retina Display
- Drive Loads of Trains.
- Operate a complete working rail line.
- Build and customize your own living railroad using our advanced route creation tool called “Surveyor”.
- Touch input makes driving Trains, laying tracks, creating layouts and completing scheduled tasks a breeze.
- Accessibility take Trainz with you anytime, anywhere.
Based on the successful PC & Mac franchise, Trainz Simulator 2 allows you to Build and operate the railroad of your dreams.
Trainz Simulator 2 for iPad includes everything you need to build and operate your own dream railroad. You can build a fun layout in minutes, faithfully recreate a railroad from days gone by or develop a fully-fledged prototypical route; the choice is yours.
Prepare yourself for the most realistic Train Simulator on any mobile device!

Avoid, IAPs needed to do anything past training and it won't let me register so can't download the free stuff. I will be looking for a refund

Click to expand...

That's not true. There is an option "Select Route" with 24 jobs, levels, sessions or how ever you'll call that. Choose those lines with white text color (p. e. "British Midlands", "City and Country US"…) and then the "View Sessions" button (below right)—there are the free sessions inside. Choose (highlight) a session and then "Drive Session" (again below right). Works pretty well here.

Also, registration went fine, but I couldn't download any user-generated levels because of a "server error". Maybe I'll try that later again.

Current Version Average Rating (US store): 4.50 (248)
All Versions Average Rating: 4.50 (1465)

*** The best train sim on iPhone just got even better... Now create your own tracks! ***

Brought to you by the undisputed masters of realistic railroad simulation!

Note: Updating to iOS8.0.2 resolves the half-screen issue being reported by some users.

With new graphics and new content (including steam engines!!!) Trainz Driver 2 is a worthy upgrade for any train fan. Now with multiplayer and amazing world building tools, you can drive, build and share your love of trains with enthusiasts from all around the world.

Based upon the best selling Trainz Simulator 2 for iPad, Trainz Driver 2 delivers powerful yet easy to use world editing tools:
* lay track, signals & track markers
* sculpt and paint the terrain
* add scenery, buildings, fences, roads & traffic
* select from a huge variety of trains and rolling stock to set up your driving experience
* issue commands to each train to customize each driving session
* upload your creations to the Download Station

Combined with Trainz Simulator 2 for iPad, you can expand your route with interactive driving sessions using additional rules and commands, then share with others via the DLS.

Multiplayer lets you drive trains with both Trainz Driver 2 and Trainz Simulator 2 users. Arrange to play with your friends or join an existing game and participate in co-operative sessions, chatting as you go using iTrainz Chat.

Includes routes from USA, UK and Australia along with fictional "arcade" sessions for extra fun and excitement. For the first time, steam engines are included in the core app along with detailed tutorials to teach you how turn a tender full of coal and water into the power required to haul freight and passengers over a variety of routes. Of course a wide selection of diesel locos, freight wagons, tankers, passenger cars and more also await the aspiring train driver...young or old.

New content is being released all the time, so you can expand your collection of Routes, Sessions, Locos and Rolling Stock through in-game purchases.

Click to expand...

Main tA thread. There is nothing in it and should be edited because it's called an iPad app (but it's iPhone only).

Current Version Average Rating: 5.00 (176)
All Versions Average Rating: 4.50 (397)

I was going to suggest this to my dad, an avid train guy. But it sounds like the free content may be a little confusing to get to for someone over 70. Anyone able to speak to that?

Click to expand...

Okay you feel where the game comes from (Windows). There are menus but they are pretty straight forward and easy to follow. It's a simulator and such a software is always more "complicated" or "confusing" than a casual arcade game or button smasher.

Train guys appreciate that. You can find the "free" content as described. I'd say finding that content is easier than driving a 1,000+ hp super muscle diesel locomotive hooked on a heavy and extra-long freight train downhill with weak brakes.